In the new Disney+ film Peter Pan & Wendy, Alexander Molony plays Peter Pan opposite Ever Anderson as Wendy Darling and Jude Law as Captain Hook, and he attended the film premiere in London earlier this year. Alexander made his regular screen debut as Charlie in Romesh Ranganathan’s comedy series The Reluctant Landlord, and as a voiceover actor, he voices Claude in the animated series Claude, Alex in The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales, and his first voiceover character was Ooo Ooo the Monkey in Raa Raa the Noisy Lion for CBeebies. On stage, Alexander played Young Macduff in Macbeth at the Barbican Centre alongside Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack, and he has recently joined the National Youth Theatre. Speaking with Alexander, he told us about filming as Peter Pan in Disney+’s new film Peter Pan & Wendy, playing Charlie in The Reluctant Landlord and his time as Young Macduff in Macbeth at the Barbican Centre.
You play Peter Pan in the new Disney film Peter Pan & Wendy, how does it feel now the film has been released and how has it been seeing the fan response?
The whole process was such a fun and enjoyable one. After starting the audition process back in December 2019 (four years ago!), it was really exciting for the film to finally be released and for everyone to enjoy our hard work! It’s also so amazing to see the incredible fan response, from all around the world, which ranges from cool edits to beautiful fan art! I really appreciate them all!
What was it like finding out you’d booked the role of Peter Pan and how was it preparing for filming?
Honestly, it was one of the most surreal moments of my life. It had been rather a while since I had last auditioned, so I had basically lost hope and was ready to move onto the next thing. I think that when my mum told me, it took quite a while to actually sink in, and I still only occasionally remind myself of how incredible this role is! I guess it shows that the clichéd saying to not give up on your dreams is perhaps true!
Regarding preparation, I did a few training sessions at a local gymnastics centre to strengthen my core, and I’m glad I did as the stunts work was not easy! I had done fencing quite a few times before at my school, so the sword-fighting was rather easier to get a hold of, although I was fortunate to have time to get used to the new style in the two-week quarantine period before filming.
What was Peter Pan like to play and what did you enjoy most about filming as an iconic Disney character?
I loved every minute of playing Peter, possibly because I felt like I could relate to him. Not in the way that he can fly, but in his mischief! I did my best to bring that to the role, and off-set as well! We had so much fun in the form of pranks and inter-departmental water fights, but I think that the most enjoyable part of filming was going home every day with a sense of accomplishment, and the pride in knowing that I was playing a character that is so well-known all around the world and has been for so many years.
How did you find the experience working on set of the film and what was it like working alongside the rest of the cast, which includes Ever Anderson as Wendy Darling and Jude Law as Captain Hook?
As I said, we had so much fun on set. I remember organising a huge water fight which incorporated departments that ranged from doubles, transport, special effects and even costume, although they were very concerned about protecting their costumes! It was so much fun.
Working with Ever was amazing. She is so talented, and she became a great friend both on and off set. One time we started writing a script for an Among Us movie although it never made it to production!
Jude was very inspirational to work with. I had spent a bit of time with him working on fight routines, so we had to have a very deep trust in each other, but I think the most important time for me, was after a routine on Skull Rock. It involved a tricky manoeuvre involving a spin and parry, and on one occasion I tripped during the spin and fell down. I picked myself up and did it again, once again falling. Sadly, my emotions got the better of me and I went to take a break, but not long after, who should come knocking at my door? Jude Law! He didn’t need to, but he did. He came to see how I was, and I will never forget that act of kindness for the rest of my life.
The whole filming experience was so special and that was down to the whole Peter Pan & Wendy family from director David Lowery, the cast, all the different crew departments and my wonderful tutor Rachel. I miss everyone so much.
You attended the film’s premiere earlier this year, what was this like?
We stayed at the Langham Hotel in London for all press-related duties, and it was amazing! I still think about the leek and potato soup and steak from room service! There were so many press interviews and they were a bit daunting, but there were also lots of fun games and quizzes too. It was so nice to do the interviews with Ever and reminisce about times on set. The actual premiere was so fun and it was so nice to see all the other cast members, especially those who don’t live in the UK. I really enjoyed working with a stylist, Holly, to pick out a look for the Green Carpet and loved the jacket I wore. Sadly, it was pouring with rain when we arrived, but the whole vibe was so exciting. The best bit was watching the film with the Peter Pan & Wendy family on the big screen and seeing the reactions of the audience.
Is there anything you feel like you’ve learnt from being involved with the film and what are some of your stand-out highlights from working on Peter Pan & Wendy?
I learnt so much just from watching how Jude conducted himself on set and got into character, but I also learnt about my own skills and limits, which will be useful for the future. Some of my favourite scenes to film were the fight scenes on the Jolly Roger. It was so fun to look around during the scene and see all the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, and the Darlings fighting their own mini battles, and it looks SO good on screen!
You had your first on-screen regular role in 2018 playing Charlie in The Reluctant Landlord, what was the character like to play?
I had so much fun playing Charlie. He was basically me! A cheeky schoolboy who liked to bend the rules.
How was it filming for a Romesh Ranganathan sitcom and do you have any favourite memories from being in the cast?
It was a brilliant experience as my first proper on-screen role. Romesh and the rest of the cast were hilarious, but I think the funniest time was when Ceyda (Ali), my on-screen sister, and I set-up a prank phone call company. It was successful for a while until the production office went round the studios confiscating the phones! Ceyda and I are still really good friends and it’s like we are actual real siblings when we hang out.
On stage, you performed in Macbeth at the Barbican Centre as Young Macduff, how was your time in the show?
Getting to perform Shakespeare on stage at the Barbican with the RSC was an absolute pinch me moment. It was such a privilege to watch the lead actors, like Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack, inhabit their roles. There were lots of other children doing the show, so it was always fun backstage. Ceyda, from The Reluctant Landlord, was also in it (playing one of the witches) and we were in the same team!
Can you tell us about voicing Claude in the animated series Claude?
I loved playing Claude. I had been a big fan of the books before auditioning, and Sixteen South and the brilliant Alex T Smith managed to transfer all the charm of the books into the scripts. The scripts were so fun and I was always excited when I received them before a session, so I could read through them. The funny thing about Claude, was that I did one self-tape voice audition and I got picked for the role from only that. I was so nervous that they would change their minds when they finally met me at the first recording session. Luckily they didn’t! I really enjoyed the Claude recording sessions – they were intense but fun and we always got really delicious take outs!
What was it like voicing Alex in The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales?
Alex was a super cute little chick and so much fun to play. It was my first experience of ADR as we were doing the English dub, as it’s actually a French film.
What do you remember most from your first voiceover character of Ooo Ooo the Monkey in Raa Raa the Noisy Lion for CBeebies?
I loved playing Ooo Ooo – he was such a fun, energetic little character. My brother and I had been big fans of the series already and used to watch it, so it was really cool to get to be a part of Season 3. Tracy, the voice director, was so brilliant to work with and I really loved the recording seasons.
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?
I had always enjoyed going to my preschool drama class when I was aged three to five. However, I suppose that my younger brother was one of the main reasons for me getting into the industry, as he was doing modelling for Clarks Shoes, and I thought it looked interesting, so decided to give it a go. My mum signed me up with an agent and I guess it went from there! I did my first commercial (Waitrose Christmas 2013) shortly after and I loved the experience of being on set.
What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch and how do you like to spend your time away from acting?
I absolutely love a good murder mystery. Only Murders in the Building and the Knives Out series are brilliant, and I would do anything to play a role in either! I think Martin Short, in particular, is a genius and would be incredible to work with. I am also a huge fan of The Bear and think Jeremy Allen White is phenomenal in it. Film-wise, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Jurassic Park are my all-time favourites. I really love LEGO and actually got The Lord of the Rings Rivendell set for my birthday – I’ve been so busy though, it’s been taking a while to finish! A big shout out to the second AD on Peter Pan & Wendy, Dan, who was so kind and would bring me in his LEGO sets for me to build in my spare time during filming.
I play the bassoon and am a member of various bands and orchestras inside and out of school. I also love playing cricket and enjoy running. I recently did the Rhino Run in support of rhinos, as I am a Crash Crusader – an ambassador for Rhino Revolution, a charity which promotes rhino conservation. Rhinos are such amazing animals and need to be protected and kept safe from poaching.
Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2024 brings for you?
While the industry has been quiet for the last few months, I’ve been focusing on A-levels and getting stuck into sixth form life. I have also been busy rehearsing for our school production of The Wizard of Oz, in which I play the Wizard! I am excited about the new year and whatever audition opportunities arise, as I would love to get back onto a set! I also joined the National Youth Theatre this year and am looking forward to what might come up with them as well.
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